What's On

Champing™ Comes to Shropshire! (23rd January 2017)

Champing™ is the unique concept of camping overnight in historic churches, brought to the world by The Churches Conservation Trust, the national charity protecting historic churches at risk. Hundreds of happy champers stayed overnight in these ancient spaces in summer 2016.

For the first time, St Andrew’s church, Wroxeter is being made available as a Champing church. Built on the Roman site of Viroconium, Wroxeter Roman City is a stone’s throw away. Not only that, the Wroxeter Roman Vineyard is a very short distance in the opposite direction and offers tours, tastings and afternoon tea. Local rumour has it that late on a quiet night, you can still hear the echo of Roman soldier’s feet on the road outside….

Champing™ is very popular with couples, families and special interest groups; all looking for adventure and a memorable camping experience. Camp beds are set up inside the church, with a cosy sitting area, complete with rugs and cushions. All guests need to bring is bedding and maybe a bottle of wine! The church is for the exclusive use of each group, be that a couple or a larger group of friends, which makes the experience even more special.

Bookings can be made from 20th January 2017 at www.champing.co.uk and the Champing™ season runs from March 31st – September 30th.

New flexible pricing options introduced

This season sees the introduction of a more flexible pricing structure for people to pick their level of comfort, and includes mid-week and weekend rates, plus optional bring-your-own breakfast packages.

Rates are from £19 to £59, plus there are group discounts for 8 or more. Dogs are welcome too.

Champing™ franchises available

For the 2017 season The Churches Conservation Trust has joined forces with The Scottish Redundant Churches Trust and the Churches Trust for Cumbria to deliver new Champing™ sites in under-utilised churches.

Rev’d Canon Nigel Davies from the Diocese of Carlisle comments: “Champing™ at St Mary’s in Longsleddale will help open up the valley and could well be a starting point for the Lakeland Pilgrimage trail that has just been opened – seven stages around the peaks of South Lakeland. It will provide income for the church and the Community Hall and secure their future for succeeding generations”.

This is a new departure for the Champing™ concept and the franchise model is being tested to see whether it can be rolled for church organisations in other countries – there has been interest from Europe and as far away as Canada!

Crispin Truman, Chief Executive for The Churches Conservation Trust comments: “Champing™ has proved immensely popular with people who want to try a completely new experience, immersing themselves in history and relaxing in a stunningly beautiful location. We’re enormously proud at the Churches Conservation Trust of the success of Champing™ in bringing new life to our unique historic buildings and a new, ecological and sustainable way of enjoying the English countryside.”